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Little Sister Island #3
The New Shore
Life on Little Sister Island is idyllic. Until it isn’t.
Now that the island will have its own teacher for the first time in decades, Rebecca Ahearn is tasked with making financial arrangements to build a new school room. While on the mainland, she barges straight into her first—and only—love, a woman she hasn’t seen in over forty years. Suddenly, the choices she has made for her life seem empty, and she begins to wonder if it was worth the sacrifice.
For Kathleen Halloran, distance and limited communication have been the keys to maintaining a tolerable relationship with her parents. She’d like to keep it that way, but when her father needs her help to take care of her mother—the woman she knows never loved her—she’s forced to confront the pain and resentment she can’t seem to let go of.
Kathleen’s mate, Molly Cooper, galvanizes the islanders to pitch in and help Kathleen and Rebecca weather the stormy seas ahead. The question is, can wounds that deep ever truly heal? Perhaps the magic of Little Sister Island can do what humans cannot—and make the impossible possible after all.
The New Shore is the third book in the Little Sister Island series.
Now that the island will have its own teacher for the first time in decades, Rebecca Ahearn is tasked with making financial arrangements to build a new school room. While on the mainland, she barges straight into her first—and only—love, a woman she hasn’t seen in over forty years. Suddenly, the choices she has made for her life seem empty, and she begins to wonder if it was worth the sacrifice.
For Kathleen Halloran, distance and limited communication have been the keys to maintaining a tolerable relationship with her parents. She’d like to keep it that way, but when her father needs her help to take care of her mother—the woman she knows never loved her—she’s forced to confront the pain and resentment she can’t seem to let go of.
Kathleen’s mate, Molly Cooper, galvanizes the islanders to pitch in and help Kathleen and Rebecca weather the stormy seas ahead. The question is, can wounds that deep ever truly heal? Perhaps the magic of Little Sister Island can do what humans cannot—and make the impossible possible after all.
The New Shore is the third book in the Little Sister Island series.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2022
14 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Caren J. Werlinger
22 books295 followersFrom the author's website: Bestselling author Caren Werlinger published her first award-winning novel, Looking Through Windows, in 2008. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels, winning several more awards. Influenced by a diverse array of authors, including Rumer Godden, J.R.R. Tolkein, Ursula LeGuin, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Willa Cather and the Brontë sisters, Caren writes literary fiction that features the struggles and joys of characters readers can identify with. Her stories cover a wide range of genres: historical fiction, contemporary drama, and fantasy, including the award-winning Dragonmage Saga, a fantasy trilogy set in ancient Ireland. Most recently, she created the magical setting of Little Sister Island (a place she and her readers wish were real) in When the Stars Sang and Face the Wind.
She lives in Virginia with her wife and their canine fur-children.
She lives in Virginia with her wife and their canine fur-children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 22, 2022
4.50 Stars. I’m so happy to be back on Little Sister Island! While Werlinger is a brilliant author, with so many great books, her Little Sister Island series holds a special place in my heart. This is a series filled with romance, family, adorable pets, and a setting that is just as important as any main character. There is something about a ‘small town’ setting -in this case a ‘small island’ setting- where everyone knows everyone, and as a reader we do too, that just makes such a warm and wonderful setting for a pretty epic romance and family drama series to take place.
This is the third book in the series and I would HIGHLY recommended reading these in order. This series has an ensemble cast that you get to know better and better as the books continue, and there are many threads that flow from book to book to book. It took me a little while just to remember all the characters from the previous books, and I love this series, so I think if people jump in here they would miss out on a lot of the magic, drama, and love. I do want to point out that while Werlinger writes a lot of sapphic stories, I think this series would also be great for more mainstream readers who are newer to sapphic romance or just want to dip their toe in to find out. In this series, the two first main characters you meet are sapphic, but the next big main character after them was either bi or het -I can’t recall- and she has feelings for a male character on the island, but you will have to read the series to see if that works out. My point is that there are relationships and different types of characters for everyone in this series.
It’s always hard to review a third book in a series since you don’t want to spoil anything for people new to the series. I really enjoyed it and I thought all of the main plot points were interesting and well done. There were some major drama for Kathleen and hopefully the closure that was finally needed and I was also happy about the romance. It happened to a character I was always interested in and wanted to know more about. I also liked that the characters were a little on the older side because I enjoy the diversity of different ages so bring it on. Overall, I thought this was another really well done installment to the series and I can’t wait to read more.
When it comes to any issues, I only had one and it was pretty small all things considering. I thought the length of the book was a little too long for my personal tastes, and I truly mean my tastes. I turned 40 this summer and I swear I fell apart including my eye sight and having headaches. While so far it is just my far sight affected, I can’t read as long without getting a headache so long books are driving me nuts and this book is twice the size of many romances I normally read. I honestly felt like I was reading two books put together to make one big book. I love this series so much and it has been two years since book 2 so I think I would have rather had two shorter books, one each year instead. I don’t know, maybe I am pulling a Molly and being a curmudgeon about it. One thing is for certain that anybody who buys this big book is sure guaranteed to get their monies worth.
TLDR: Book 3 is another wonderful installment into the Little Sister Island series. Werlinger is a fantastic author and this series is a wonderful series for anyone looking for the “small town” setting feel where love, family, drama, and community is on the menu. Numerical reading order is highly recommend and with more books to come, you might as well start now. Highly recommend to both sapphic readers and curious mainstream romance and family drama readers.
A copy was given to me for an honest review.
This is the third book in the series and I would HIGHLY recommended reading these in order. This series has an ensemble cast that you get to know better and better as the books continue, and there are many threads that flow from book to book to book. It took me a little while just to remember all the characters from the previous books, and I love this series, so I think if people jump in here they would miss out on a lot of the magic, drama, and love. I do want to point out that while Werlinger writes a lot of sapphic stories, I think this series would also be great for more mainstream readers who are newer to sapphic romance or just want to dip their toe in to find out. In this series, the two first main characters you meet are sapphic, but the next big main character after them was either bi or het -I can’t recall- and she has feelings for a male character on the island, but you will have to read the series to see if that works out. My point is that there are relationships and different types of characters for everyone in this series.
It’s always hard to review a third book in a series since you don’t want to spoil anything for people new to the series. I really enjoyed it and I thought all of the main plot points were interesting and well done. There were some major drama for Kathleen and hopefully the closure that was finally needed and I was also happy about the romance. It happened to a character I was always interested in and wanted to know more about. I also liked that the characters were a little on the older side because I enjoy the diversity of different ages so bring it on. Overall, I thought this was another really well done installment to the series and I can’t wait to read more.
When it comes to any issues, I only had one and it was pretty small all things considering. I thought the length of the book was a little too long for my personal tastes, and I truly mean my tastes. I turned 40 this summer and I swear I fell apart including my eye sight and having headaches. While so far it is just my far sight affected, I can’t read as long without getting a headache so long books are driving me nuts and this book is twice the size of many romances I normally read. I honestly felt like I was reading two books put together to make one big book. I love this series so much and it has been two years since book 2 so I think I would have rather had two shorter books, one each year instead. I don’t know, maybe I am pulling a Molly and being a curmudgeon about it. One thing is for certain that anybody who buys this big book is sure guaranteed to get their monies worth.
TLDR: Book 3 is another wonderful installment into the Little Sister Island series. Werlinger is a fantastic author and this series is a wonderful series for anyone looking for the “small town” setting feel where love, family, drama, and community is on the menu. Numerical reading order is highly recommend and with more books to come, you might as well start now. Highly recommend to both sapphic readers and curious mainstream romance and family drama readers.
A copy was given to me for an honest review.
September 30, 2022
What a pleasure to read this sequel. Werlinger has brought us back to Little Sister island with multiple surprises in store.
The writing is flawless. The story is gripping and exciting. The characters are old friends now.
If you are new to this series you will need to read the books in order as this is a true series.
If you have read the first two books then what are you waiting for? Little Sister is calling you.
The writing is flawless. The story is gripping and exciting. The characters are old friends now.
If you are new to this series you will need to read the books in order as this is a true series.
If you have read the first two books then what are you waiting for? Little Sister is calling you.
September 10, 2022
Two years after the second installment (Face the Wind) in the excellent Little Sister Island series, Caren J. Werlinger takes us further and deeper into the lives of the islanders while introducing new interesting characters. Werlinger again excels in characterization. Her characters are very real, complex and intensely memorable. She reveals a continuation of the narrative which tugs at our heartstrings and at the same time makes us think some meaningful thoughts about life, love, friendship, family, community, nature...
The dialogue continues to be another strong point by the author, as well as family scenes, which are done with style and sensitivity. Werlinger's writing in general is really excellent and she became one of the masters in this literary niche.
The book is a lengthy one (more than 120,000 words) but the pacing is flawless. The book is practically a page-turner, it reads easily and quickly and it kept me totally interested from start to finish. Craving more, it made me read the first two installments again.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely and recommend it to anyone wanting a wonderful, warm story, with a nice touch of magic. I strongly suggest reading the first two books in the series prior to this one because some important nuances in relationships or the island's history may be lost on you otherwise and that would really be a shame. Read the whole series. I am sure you will not regret it. I personally am so looking forward to the next book in this outstanding series.
5 stars
September 10, 2022
*A review copy of this book was provided by the author.*
The dialogue continues to be another strong point by the author, as well as family scenes, which are done with style and sensitivity. Werlinger's writing in general is really excellent and she became one of the masters in this literary niche.
The book is a lengthy one (more than 120,000 words) but the pacing is flawless. The book is practically a page-turner, it reads easily and quickly and it kept me totally interested from start to finish. Craving more, it made me read the first two installments again.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely and recommend it to anyone wanting a wonderful, warm story, with a nice touch of magic. I strongly suggest reading the first two books in the series prior to this one because some important nuances in relationships or the island's history may be lost on you otherwise and that would really be a shame. Read the whole series. I am sure you will not regret it. I personally am so looking forward to the next book in this outstanding series.
5 stars
September 10, 2022
*A review copy of this book was provided by the author.*
September 7, 2022
Oh my goodness - this is my favorite of the Little Sister Island series so far! There's so much happening and while the book is lengthy, it moves along at just the right pace.
Highlights for me were:
Rebecca's story. Unexpected, delightful and I really appreciate her character arc - especially at this stage in her life! There's another side to her I was pleased to see. A teaser? Why, yes. You'll just have to read it for yourself. And start at the beginning.
Kathleen's progression. She and Molly took a bit of a back seat in book two and I am happy to see more of her here. She has much to process and overcome and the payoff is well worth it. She has quite the breathtaking moment here and Werlinger made this reader feel like I was right there experiencing it with her!
New characters were introduced that add much to the story of the island. And while we know what role some of them will play, there are other intriguing characters we have just met. I am anxious to see what role one new character in particular will play going forward. Stay tuned.
There is more romance and some sexy times in this book, and since my favorite genre is romance, I'm 100 percent behind that!
Family plays a significant role in these books and Kathleen's and Louisa's take a front seat in this installment. Like most families, some of it painful, some wonderful.
The mystical, historical and spiritual aspects of these books completely intrigue me. The combination of The First Ones with the Irish histories, rituals and customs are real highlights.
Again, easily my favorite of the three! If you haven't already, start with book one, When the Stars Sang, and immerse yourself in this wonderfully unique island culture with unforgettable characters!
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review of the book.
Highlights for me were:
Rebecca's story. Unexpected, delightful and I really appreciate her character arc - especially at this stage in her life! There's another side to her I was pleased to see. A teaser? Why, yes. You'll just have to read it for yourself. And start at the beginning.
Kathleen's progression. She and Molly took a bit of a back seat in book two and I am happy to see more of her here. She has much to process and overcome and the payoff is well worth it. She has quite the breathtaking moment here and Werlinger made this reader feel like I was right there experiencing it with her!
New characters were introduced that add much to the story of the island. And while we know what role some of them will play, there are other intriguing characters we have just met. I am anxious to see what role one new character in particular will play going forward. Stay tuned.
There is more romance and some sexy times in this book, and since my favorite genre is romance, I'm 100 percent behind that!
Family plays a significant role in these books and Kathleen's and Louisa's take a front seat in this installment. Like most families, some of it painful, some wonderful.
The mystical, historical and spiritual aspects of these books completely intrigue me. The combination of The First Ones with the Irish histories, rituals and customs are real highlights.
Again, easily my favorite of the three! If you haven't already, start with book one, When the Stars Sang, and immerse yourself in this wonderfully unique island culture with unforgettable characters!
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review of the book.
December 2, 2022
The New Shore is the third book in the Little Sister Island series. This is one series you want to read or in my case reread from the first book to appreciate the past, present and future lives (and loves) of the many characters woven into this magical island. So much has come before, from the shipwrecked Irish saved by the First Ones on the island to lost islanders finding their way back to Little Sister Island. The customs, land ownership and family ties unique to this island make it a magical place to live.
I admit I found this third book in the series heavy going at times. The quaint settings, friendly citizens and annoying tourists are all still present but complications and challenges raised in the previous novels weigh heavily on the locals. This perfect escape from the greater bustling world loses some of its shine when one is faced with a medical emergency. Relationships renewed force some to reevaluate their priorities and make difficult choices. Others have few options to alleviate the pressure and isolation they feel when forced into unwanted caretaking roles.While there is resolution in several threads running through the story, I wasn’t left with a great desire to revisit these folks on Little Sister Island. Blame my pandemic hangover, but I’ve been isolated for what seems like years and am ready to reach out and begin exploring the greater world once again.
3.5 stars
A copy of this book was received from the author for an honest review.
I admit I found this third book in the series heavy going at times. The quaint settings, friendly citizens and annoying tourists are all still present but complications and challenges raised in the previous novels weigh heavily on the locals. This perfect escape from the greater bustling world loses some of its shine when one is faced with a medical emergency. Relationships renewed force some to reevaluate their priorities and make difficult choices. Others have few options to alleviate the pressure and isolation they feel when forced into unwanted caretaking roles.While there is resolution in several threads running through the story, I wasn’t left with a great desire to revisit these folks on Little Sister Island. Blame my pandemic hangover, but I’ve been isolated for what seems like years and am ready to reach out and begin exploring the greater world once again.
3.5 stars
A copy of this book was received from the author for an honest review.
November 26, 2022
Reading a Little Sister book is like sitting on your deck feeling the wind work up into a storm. The New Shore brings in many of the same characters from the previous stories but with some unexpected troubles and heartaches. Family and loyalty are the bonds that drive the action. Some of it is not pretty, much the same way real life goes. but people on the island still live up to their ideals, always taking care of their own. As someone who has only lived in Chicago and its big suburbs, I cannot even imagine a life where everyone knows each other in a community, let alone fathom how its members care about one another so deeply.
Magic, wonder, and love overrule the dark times on Little Sister. The New Shore has quietly powerful moments of long lost love, forgiveness, and the acceptance of hard truths. But the blood ties and found family are the salvation. That is what makes the series special, the characters knowing that they always have a home and family on Little Sister. There are questions at the end of this book and so I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Magic, wonder, and love overrule the dark times on Little Sister. The New Shore has quietly powerful moments of long lost love, forgiveness, and the acceptance of hard truths. But the blood ties and found family are the salvation. That is what makes the series special, the characters knowing that they always have a home and family on Little Sister. There are questions at the end of this book and so I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
October 11, 2022
4.5 stars.
I read all 3 books in this series back to back.
And I liked each of them. I think the first is my favorite because of Molly and Kathleen finding each other.
I’m thinking the real main character in all three is Little Sister Island itself. It has tremendous influence over all the human characters. Several want to leave the island for personal reasons but none of them can resist the islands pull back to it time and again.
Rebecca’s character is in the spotlight in this sequel and she shows character growth and a very fun side. And our newest character Eryn will probably be the star of book four. Perhaps there will be a big reveal about her mom and why she left the island.
These books definitely need to be read in order to understand the relationship between characters and all the past island history as it’s revealed.
I read all 3 books in this series back to back.
And I liked each of them. I think the first is my favorite because of Molly and Kathleen finding each other.
I’m thinking the real main character in all three is Little Sister Island itself. It has tremendous influence over all the human characters. Several want to leave the island for personal reasons but none of them can resist the islands pull back to it time and again.
Rebecca’s character is in the spotlight in this sequel and she shows character growth and a very fun side. And our newest character Eryn will probably be the star of book four. Perhaps there will be a big reveal about her mom and why she left the island.
These books definitely need to be read in order to understand the relationship between characters and all the past island history as it’s revealed.
October 22, 2022
Each Little Sister book feels like coming home. Even though the only things I have in common with this island and its people are the sea and the wind, I feel like I know them. Like we share a lot more than words and descriptions. That’s something that always surprises me, whenever I read one of Caren Werlinger’s stories, how much she manages to make me care for people who are so different from who I am. I mean, she made me care for nuns! Twice . In this series, it’s life on an island in New England, at times cut from the rest of the world. My anxiety would make it challenging but the introvert in me loves the idea at the same time as I wonder if I could deal with everyone knowing everything all the time.
In each book, former secondary characters take centre stage and new ones appear, opening new doors to new stories, new avenues to explore. In The New Shore, Kathleen has to deal with family in two completely unexpected twists, Meredith gets ready to become the new island teacher, Rebecca reconnects with the love of her life, leading her to question the choices she made decades ago. Life goes on around them and the island keeps breathing its magic through it all.
This book, even more than the previous ones, reads as much like a novel as a chronicle of life on an island. Everyday preoccupations matter as much as extraordinary events, contributing to the atmosphere of warmth and belonging, including the reader in the world, in the community Werlinger created. The islanders are my people. Even though I don’t know them in real life, even though they don’t exist in any other way than as words. I want to shop at Miranda and Tim’s market and taste their greenhouse tomatoes, I want to feel the wind on my face while watching Molly row, I want to see Blossom jump in the snow, I want to try Nels’ pub food and Miss Louisa and Miss Olivia’s orange cranberry bread (thank you for the recipe!), I want to roll my eyes at tourists’ shenanigans, even though I kind of already do that where I live, despite the fact that I was one of them a few years ago. Little Sister is the first name that comes to me every time someone asks about a fictional place I would like to visit.
If the series stopped here, as a trilogy, I’d already feel satisfied, the existing books are so rich. I do hope, however, that there will be more.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
September 5, 2022
Is a remote, isolated island a place where you feel trapped and want to escape from, or is it the only place where you feel free and at home? Can it be both a prison and a haven? The answer depends on perspective.
In The New Shore, we see life on Little Sister Island, off the coast of Maine, from the points of view of characters from varying walks of life.
Meredith and her parents recently moved to Little Sister after discovering a family connection. Life on the island is blissful, with Meredith soon to be bonded to Aidan and begin her new job as the island's teacher. However, her family faces the challenges of life in a remote location.
Louisa Woodhouse has lived her entire life on Little Sister and is enmeshed in its culture and community. She welcomes her new family members, who will continue the Woodhouse line into Little Sister's future.
Rebecca Ahearn, the island's Keeper, stood out in previous books in this series with her wry humour and abrupt nature. In The New Shore we get to know Rebecca better. What is underneath her stern exterior? Does her bond with the island mean she cannot have a romantic relationship?
The New Shore explores Rebecca's role as Keeper and strong ties to the island. A shake-up of the routines in her life is something that she perhaps didn't know she needed. This book explores something that is too often overlooked: finding love (or re-finding love) at an older age and a romantic relationship between two women in their sixties. Caren J. Werlinger does not shy away from exploring the sexuality of older women.
Kathleen Halloran must again face her family's troubled past on the island. Her strained relationship with her parents comes to the forefront when her sick mother comes to stay with her on Little Sister. Kathleen's role in training to be the island's Keeper takes a back seat, and she finds herself questioning herself and her ties to the island.
Self-discovery and rediscovery of one's strengths are significant themes in The New Shore, as are second chances at relationships, both family and romantic.
The setting, Little Sister Island, and the almost magical world it encompasses, is a character in itself.
Life on a remote island like Little Sister is not without its challenges and drawbacks, such as distance to medical care and limited employment opportunities.
We also see the high points of life, including the island's close community that comes together to help each other. The islanders' connection with nature and environmentally friendly way of life are benefits for all.
The New Shore is the third in the Little Sister Island series. It could be read as a stand-alone, but I think people will get the most out of reading the books in this series in order.
Visiting Little Sister Island is as comforting as a cup of tea with a slice of Louisa and Olivia Woodhouse's cranberry orange bread. (The bonus at the end of this book is a recipe for the bread so that you can try it yourself!) It also has a fast-moving and gripping plot that keeps you reading. Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I was involved in editing this manuscript, but my opinions here are from my perspective as a reader.
In The New Shore, we see life on Little Sister Island, off the coast of Maine, from the points of view of characters from varying walks of life.
Meredith and her parents recently moved to Little Sister after discovering a family connection. Life on the island is blissful, with Meredith soon to be bonded to Aidan and begin her new job as the island's teacher. However, her family faces the challenges of life in a remote location.
Louisa Woodhouse has lived her entire life on Little Sister and is enmeshed in its culture and community. She welcomes her new family members, who will continue the Woodhouse line into Little Sister's future.
Rebecca Ahearn, the island's Keeper, stood out in previous books in this series with her wry humour and abrupt nature. In The New Shore we get to know Rebecca better. What is underneath her stern exterior? Does her bond with the island mean she cannot have a romantic relationship?
The New Shore explores Rebecca's role as Keeper and strong ties to the island. A shake-up of the routines in her life is something that she perhaps didn't know she needed. This book explores something that is too often overlooked: finding love (or re-finding love) at an older age and a romantic relationship between two women in their sixties. Caren J. Werlinger does not shy away from exploring the sexuality of older women.
Kathleen Halloran must again face her family's troubled past on the island. Her strained relationship with her parents comes to the forefront when her sick mother comes to stay with her on Little Sister. Kathleen's role in training to be the island's Keeper takes a back seat, and she finds herself questioning herself and her ties to the island.
Self-discovery and rediscovery of one's strengths are significant themes in The New Shore, as are second chances at relationships, both family and romantic.
The setting, Little Sister Island, and the almost magical world it encompasses, is a character in itself.
Life on a remote island like Little Sister is not without its challenges and drawbacks, such as distance to medical care and limited employment opportunities.
We also see the high points of life, including the island's close community that comes together to help each other. The islanders' connection with nature and environmentally friendly way of life are benefits for all.
The New Shore is the third in the Little Sister Island series. It could be read as a stand-alone, but I think people will get the most out of reading the books in this series in order.
Visiting Little Sister Island is as comforting as a cup of tea with a slice of Louisa and Olivia Woodhouse's cranberry orange bread. (The bonus at the end of this book is a recipe for the bread so that you can try it yourself!) It also has a fast-moving and gripping plot that keeps you reading. Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I was involved in editing this manuscript, but my opinions here are from my perspective as a reader.
October 14, 2022
Bit slower but better as story progresses. Always frustrating to me to watch characters be mistreated by their family/friends and they chose to endure it. Some may just say it’s family so you just have to. New story lines with non resolved ending so more Little Sister coming our way I’m sure. Fans of the island will enjoy as its such a unique setting.
September 20, 2022
I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team (author, check here if you are interested in getting your book reviewed) and thank her and the author for this opportunity.
I only have to tell you that this is the seventh novel I read by Caren Werlinger for you to guess that I like her writing and her stories. This is also the third novel in the Little Island series, and I discovered the author thanks to the first novel in this series, When the Stars Sang, which introduced me to the special world of Little Sister and its inhabitants.
Little Sister is an island only connected to a bigger island —Big Sister, of course— through a ferry that only runs once a month in the winter, although much more often in the summer, with no mobile phone connectivity, which relies mostly on renewable energies for its everyday needs, and where only members of the original families and their descendants can own property and become permanent residents. They are furiously independent and treasure and preserve their traditions, a combination of old Irish (Celtic) customs and those of the original Native American inhabitants. Their ceremonies (and there are many for all kinds of occasions) are described lovingly, as are the lives and adventures of the inhabitants of the island. And those of us who have been following this choral story are always happy to catch up with them again.
One of the things I like best about this series is the fact that the author keeps adding onto the previous stories, and not just coming up with a new set of characters and leaving the old ones to make a small appearance as a secondary characters in somebody else’s book. Although we do not know the ins and outs of the lives of all of the characters of the island in detail, over these three volumes we have got to learn a lot of things about many of the people living there. Among them: the owner of the shop, the owner of the hotel and her husband, the retired teacher, and her sister, as well as the characters who played major parts in the previous two stories, Kathleen and Molly, who met and fell in love in the first book, and the new arrivals on the second novel, Meredith, and her parents, Irene and Roy. We also know Molly’s parents, her brothers, and her aunt, Rebecca, who is the Keeper and librarian (two tasks that go well together), tasked with keeping the records and the story of the community living in Little Sister. And a few more things.
This time we get to learn more details about Rebecca’s past and some more secrets about her role; Kathleen has to face the difficult relationship with her parents, discovers that there is more to her family than she realised, and her connection to the island is put to the test; and Meredith and her parents, who are happy to live in Little Island, are confronted with some unexpected challenges. All of those characters have to face questions about themselves, their identities, and their priorities. How important is life in Little Island and how much are they prepared to sacrifice or give up to continue living there?
I have mentioned the choral and community elements of this series, and that means that there are many themes explored in this book. The close connection of the island with the natural world and the seasons is reflected in the way the story is structured and how it follows a chronological order, with the passing of time and the changes in weather marking and dictating what life is like. Much can happen in a year. We have a variety of ceremonies and events (marriages, bondings), deaths and births, we have new projects coming to fruition, we have health scares, we have secrets uncovered and secrets kept, we have people moving away and others coming back, and although all the characters have their role, the women’s connection to the island and the bonds and mutual support is what keeps the community alive and full of positive energy.
As usual, the writing is gorgeous. There are some beautiful descriptions of the landscape, the weather, and the ceremonies that have something magical about them. The third-person narrative alternates between quite a few of the characters, and that gives more depth and closeness to the story, as we get to understand how the different individuals feel, and also see what the people around them think and what worries them. The changes in perspective are clearly signalled, and each one of the characters is so different in outlook from the rest that it is impossible to get them confused. There are very touching and moving moments, some tough and hurtful ones that would test anybody’s goodness and kindness (because not all the characters are likeable, and some are anything but), some funny events, but also some sad ones. We might agree or disagree with some of the decisions taken, but the author makes sure we get to follow the mental process of the people involved, and we even experience the struggle and doubts they have to face. As is the case in real life, there are no easy answers, and that is one of the things that make us love the island and its people even more because nobody in it is perfect, but they all work hard, help each other, and try to keep their community alive, and these days, that is something most of us can only dream of.
As a warning, I would mention, as I have done in the past, that there are some sex scenes in the book. These are not many, and they are not excessively detailed or over the top (and that is coming from somebody who doesn’t enjoy these kinds of scenes), but I know that is something down to personal taste, so I thought I’d mention it.
On the other hand, those who enjoy diversity in literature will find plenty here. One of the many joys of the book is to see a community steeped in tradition but open to all kinds of roles for all kinds of people, happy to have a woman as a sheriff, to embrace LGBT relationships, to accept behaviours that seem, at the very least, peculiar and eccentric, to welcome with open arms strangers (as long as they don’t try to impose on them or change their way of life) and willing to accept supernatural and magic events without blinking an eye. And those who love dogs (and cats) have some stars to make them smile as well. I so love Blossom!
The ending is as it should be, in my opinion. Life goes on, and we are not left with a cliffhanger, although there are many more stories to tell, and much more to come. If there will be or not, will depend on the author. Fingers crossed!
So, yes, of course, I recommend this novel. Please, make sure to read the other two novels in the series first. If you have, you don’t need to worry if it’s been a while since you read them, though, because there are enough hints and references to previous events to refresh your memory, and I had no difficulty recalling all the relevant information. In fact, after reading a few pages, I felt perfectly at home, as if I was visiting some old friends. And that is what Little Sister and its characters have become for the readers of the series: a refuge, a magical place we can visit when we need a break from our everyday lives, and one where we are all welcome, no matter where we come from or what our issues might be. I enjoyed it enormously, I recommend it to readers of the previous two novels and to anybody who enjoys beautiful language, great characters, a magical setting, and needs a bit of a boost. Don’t ask me which of the three novels is my favourite, because they all make up an organic whole, and one I hope the author will keep adding to.
I only have to tell you that this is the seventh novel I read by Caren Werlinger for you to guess that I like her writing and her stories. This is also the third novel in the Little Island series, and I discovered the author thanks to the first novel in this series, When the Stars Sang, which introduced me to the special world of Little Sister and its inhabitants.
Little Sister is an island only connected to a bigger island —Big Sister, of course— through a ferry that only runs once a month in the winter, although much more often in the summer, with no mobile phone connectivity, which relies mostly on renewable energies for its everyday needs, and where only members of the original families and their descendants can own property and become permanent residents. They are furiously independent and treasure and preserve their traditions, a combination of old Irish (Celtic) customs and those of the original Native American inhabitants. Their ceremonies (and there are many for all kinds of occasions) are described lovingly, as are the lives and adventures of the inhabitants of the island. And those of us who have been following this choral story are always happy to catch up with them again.
One of the things I like best about this series is the fact that the author keeps adding onto the previous stories, and not just coming up with a new set of characters and leaving the old ones to make a small appearance as a secondary characters in somebody else’s book. Although we do not know the ins and outs of the lives of all of the characters of the island in detail, over these three volumes we have got to learn a lot of things about many of the people living there. Among them: the owner of the shop, the owner of the hotel and her husband, the retired teacher, and her sister, as well as the characters who played major parts in the previous two stories, Kathleen and Molly, who met and fell in love in the first book, and the new arrivals on the second novel, Meredith, and her parents, Irene and Roy. We also know Molly’s parents, her brothers, and her aunt, Rebecca, who is the Keeper and librarian (two tasks that go well together), tasked with keeping the records and the story of the community living in Little Sister. And a few more things.
This time we get to learn more details about Rebecca’s past and some more secrets about her role; Kathleen has to face the difficult relationship with her parents, discovers that there is more to her family than she realised, and her connection to the island is put to the test; and Meredith and her parents, who are happy to live in Little Island, are confronted with some unexpected challenges. All of those characters have to face questions about themselves, their identities, and their priorities. How important is life in Little Island and how much are they prepared to sacrifice or give up to continue living there?
I have mentioned the choral and community elements of this series, and that means that there are many themes explored in this book. The close connection of the island with the natural world and the seasons is reflected in the way the story is structured and how it follows a chronological order, with the passing of time and the changes in weather marking and dictating what life is like. Much can happen in a year. We have a variety of ceremonies and events (marriages, bondings), deaths and births, we have new projects coming to fruition, we have health scares, we have secrets uncovered and secrets kept, we have people moving away and others coming back, and although all the characters have their role, the women’s connection to the island and the bonds and mutual support is what keeps the community alive and full of positive energy.
As usual, the writing is gorgeous. There are some beautiful descriptions of the landscape, the weather, and the ceremonies that have something magical about them. The third-person narrative alternates between quite a few of the characters, and that gives more depth and closeness to the story, as we get to understand how the different individuals feel, and also see what the people around them think and what worries them. The changes in perspective are clearly signalled, and each one of the characters is so different in outlook from the rest that it is impossible to get them confused. There are very touching and moving moments, some tough and hurtful ones that would test anybody’s goodness and kindness (because not all the characters are likeable, and some are anything but), some funny events, but also some sad ones. We might agree or disagree with some of the decisions taken, but the author makes sure we get to follow the mental process of the people involved, and we even experience the struggle and doubts they have to face. As is the case in real life, there are no easy answers, and that is one of the things that make us love the island and its people even more because nobody in it is perfect, but they all work hard, help each other, and try to keep their community alive, and these days, that is something most of us can only dream of.
As a warning, I would mention, as I have done in the past, that there are some sex scenes in the book. These are not many, and they are not excessively detailed or over the top (and that is coming from somebody who doesn’t enjoy these kinds of scenes), but I know that is something down to personal taste, so I thought I’d mention it.
On the other hand, those who enjoy diversity in literature will find plenty here. One of the many joys of the book is to see a community steeped in tradition but open to all kinds of roles for all kinds of people, happy to have a woman as a sheriff, to embrace LGBT relationships, to accept behaviours that seem, at the very least, peculiar and eccentric, to welcome with open arms strangers (as long as they don’t try to impose on them or change their way of life) and willing to accept supernatural and magic events without blinking an eye. And those who love dogs (and cats) have some stars to make them smile as well. I so love Blossom!
The ending is as it should be, in my opinion. Life goes on, and we are not left with a cliffhanger, although there are many more stories to tell, and much more to come. If there will be or not, will depend on the author. Fingers crossed!
So, yes, of course, I recommend this novel. Please, make sure to read the other two novels in the series first. If you have, you don’t need to worry if it’s been a while since you read them, though, because there are enough hints and references to previous events to refresh your memory, and I had no difficulty recalling all the relevant information. In fact, after reading a few pages, I felt perfectly at home, as if I was visiting some old friends. And that is what Little Sister and its characters have become for the readers of the series: a refuge, a magical place we can visit when we need a break from our everyday lives, and one where we are all welcome, no matter where we come from or what our issues might be. I enjoyed it enormously, I recommend it to readers of the previous two novels and to anybody who enjoys beautiful language, great characters, a magical setting, and needs a bit of a boost. Don’t ask me which of the three novels is my favourite, because they all make up an organic whole, and one I hope the author will keep adding to.
March 8, 2023
It felt like the end of a Magnus Opus. Took a while to key in - finished book 2 6 months ago and it follows straight on. Worth the journey but keeping track of all the characters was an issue.
October 16, 2022
I LOVE this Series!!
This is a really busy book! Kathleen has HUGE family issues, Molly is busy building a new school and garage while doing her best to care for Kathleen, Meredith and Aiden plan their Bonding, Rebecca’s past comes back, stirring up long forgotten feelings, Matty has a ton of stuff going on in his life, Miss Louisa learn to live in a busy household again, There is just so much and it’s a wonderful rollercoaster of activity you wont want to miss!
I LOVED this book!!! It was such a joy to go back to Little Sister Island and catch up with the goings on of old friends. Kathleen has SO much to deal with and her strength astounds me. Rebecca is being pulled apart at the seams by emotion and duty. There are changes aplenty for the Coopers and the Woodhouses as they adjust to growing pains. There are new faces and friends and so much that you just will not want to miss out on! I can’t recommend this series enough and this book is the most emotionally fraught of them all. Its SO good!!!!
This is a really busy book! Kathleen has HUGE family issues, Molly is busy building a new school and garage while doing her best to care for Kathleen, Meredith and Aiden plan their Bonding, Rebecca’s past comes back, stirring up long forgotten feelings, Matty has a ton of stuff going on in his life, Miss Louisa learn to live in a busy household again, There is just so much and it’s a wonderful rollercoaster of activity you wont want to miss!
I LOVED this book!!! It was such a joy to go back to Little Sister Island and catch up with the goings on of old friends. Kathleen has SO much to deal with and her strength astounds me. Rebecca is being pulled apart at the seams by emotion and duty. There are changes aplenty for the Coopers and the Woodhouses as they adjust to growing pains. There are new faces and friends and so much that you just will not want to miss out on! I can’t recommend this series enough and this book is the most emotionally fraught of them all. Its SO good!!!!
October 11, 2022
The New Shore is the third in the Little Sister Island series and it was so good to revisit the place and the people. Kathleen and Molly, Miss Louisa, Meredith and her parents and many more. There are big changes on the horizon for some of the residents, particularly Rebecca and Kathleen, with soul searching and internal second guessing decisions made when it seemed the path in life was clear. I enjoyed how characters were explored and also the general progression in all of the residents’ lives.
Kathleen’s estrangement from her parents, particularly her mother, who has never been interested in Kathleen or what’s going on in her life since her brother’s death, is brought to the fore by illness. Despite her mother’s disinterest and the hurt she has always felt, Kathleen steps up and hopes her mother might finally show some acknowledgement of her, if not actual affection. Apart from that there is a major challenge for Kathleen that she knew would happen eventually but was unprepared for it happening so soon.
There are many challenges associated with living on a small, remote island and, although a new school is in the offing, meaning the island’s children wouldn’t have to be schooled on the mainland, the lack of access to medical care is an issue which is highlighted.
The characterisations are as flawless as ever, very realistic and dynamic, and the inclusion of new characters adds to the story, one in particular is an intriguing addition. The fascinating spiritual, cultural and magical elements were a huge draw from the start, as was the close knit community. The wonderfully descriptive prose brings the island, with its changing weather patterns, impressive landscape, ceremonies and traditions rooted in history, to vibrant life. The link between the island and islanders is an extremely strong one, nature and ancestry play a huge part in island life.
This is a series to be read chronologically, and savoured, in order to get the full impact of the characters, their lives and Little Sister Island.
Kathleen’s estrangement from her parents, particularly her mother, who has never been interested in Kathleen or what’s going on in her life since her brother’s death, is brought to the fore by illness. Despite her mother’s disinterest and the hurt she has always felt, Kathleen steps up and hopes her mother might finally show some acknowledgement of her, if not actual affection. Apart from that there is a major challenge for Kathleen that she knew would happen eventually but was unprepared for it happening so soon.
There are many challenges associated with living on a small, remote island and, although a new school is in the offing, meaning the island’s children wouldn’t have to be schooled on the mainland, the lack of access to medical care is an issue which is highlighted.
The characterisations are as flawless as ever, very realistic and dynamic, and the inclusion of new characters adds to the story, one in particular is an intriguing addition. The fascinating spiritual, cultural and magical elements were a huge draw from the start, as was the close knit community. The wonderfully descriptive prose brings the island, with its changing weather patterns, impressive landscape, ceremonies and traditions rooted in history, to vibrant life. The link between the island and islanders is an extremely strong one, nature and ancestry play a huge part in island life.
This is a series to be read chronologically, and savoured, in order to get the full impact of the characters, their lives and Little Sister Island.
January 11, 2023
The third book in Caren J. Werlinger's Little Sister Island series, titled THE NEW SHORE, is well worth the wait. Werlinger meticulously crafts her novels, and this one is no exception. There is one romance blossoming in this volume, between Rebecca, the island's record keeper, and a lover from the past, Nadiya. In addition, another critical element is the strained relationship between Kathleen Halloran and her parents, brought to the forefront by a health emergency. Werlinger blends lesbian romance with something more complex--the life of an entire community on Little Sister Island, a fictional locale off the Maine coast. While weaving this tale, the author leaves a sufficient number of loose ends for me to hopefully anticipate another volume sometime in the future. These are all excellent novels!
September 20, 2022
Finished it in two days. Wish there was truly a place like this where people look out for and help each other. Hope that this isn’t the last in the series
September 24, 2022
I reread the first two of the Little Sister Island books before I sank into this one. Each story is dense and full and rich. I have a hard time describing how the books by this author affect me. They fill me. They aren't just something to read, they are an experience. The characters are more multi faceted and compelling than some flesh and blood people I know.
I was there on the island. I felt the sun on my face, the sting of the rain, and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. I felt the magic, the fear, and the worry.
The thing is, All of the books by Caren Werlinger make me feel this way. I have officially read every available book. I will reread them many times. I hope you will go beyond Little Sister and read them all too. I feel like these books remind me to try to be a better person.
I was there on the island. I felt the sun on my face, the sting of the rain, and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. I felt the magic, the fear, and the worry.
The thing is, All of the books by Caren Werlinger make me feel this way. I have officially read every available book. I will reread them many times. I hope you will go beyond Little Sister and read them all too. I feel like these books remind me to try to be a better person.
September 13, 2023
I have fallen in love with little sister island and wish I could spend a summer there!
January 25, 2024
Caren J. Werlinger
The New Shore
(Little Sister Island Series Book 3)
A Review by Ka
*****
A trilogy for now
What I enjoy about reading a well written series — which for me, the Little Sister Island Trilogy definitely counts as — is the gradually expanding network of characters and the shifting focus on some of them over the course of each book as well as across the entire series. Yet, while some authors more or less successfully attempt to make each installment of their series readable as standalones, this is not something Caren Werlinger claims for her Little Sister Island Series. You might still grasp enough of the context to get through and enjoy most of book 2 without having read the first, but by book 3 you'd likely be lost and certainly wouldn't get maximum enjoyment out of trying to read it without having seen the web of interpersonal relationships gradually developed in books 1 and 2 as background information.
With that buildup though, I was glad to be back onisland among its endearing and by now familiar residents for The New Shore, in which we get to see Rebecca arrive at a feasible solution at last in finding a way of combining her personal life with her role as Keeper of the Island against all odds after struggling to overcome a seeming impossibility; and to witness Kathleen coming into her own, taking her destined position in the island's social fabric, finally able to overcome the many adversities and issues that we had seen her wrestling with from the beginning of book 1.
There are many other subplots and challenges the island community is dealing with in this installment that I am not going to enumerate here, which will have you holding your breath and rooting for a favorable outcome when reading what so far is the last book in this skillfully composed series.
I noticed a few loose threads that would lend themselves beautifully to a continuation of the series, and a little bird told me that the author is in the early stages of working on Little Sister #4, in which I hope to learn more about Kathleen's cousin Eryn, who seems to have a strong connection with the island, and Siobhan, the island's gift shop owner. I won't say, "I can't wait to read the next book", as I am aware that the creative process cannot be rushed. So instead, I am patiently anticipating another competently plotted and beautifully written book to enjoy in due time, confident that good things will come to those who wait.
The New Shore
(Little Sister Island Series Book 3)
A Review by Ka
*****
A trilogy for now
What I enjoy about reading a well written series — which for me, the Little Sister Island Trilogy definitely counts as — is the gradually expanding network of characters and the shifting focus on some of them over the course of each book as well as across the entire series. Yet, while some authors more or less successfully attempt to make each installment of their series readable as standalones, this is not something Caren Werlinger claims for her Little Sister Island Series. You might still grasp enough of the context to get through and enjoy most of book 2 without having read the first, but by book 3 you'd likely be lost and certainly wouldn't get maximum enjoyment out of trying to read it without having seen the web of interpersonal relationships gradually developed in books 1 and 2 as background information.
With that buildup though, I was glad to be back onisland among its endearing and by now familiar residents for The New Shore, in which we get to see Rebecca arrive at a feasible solution at last in finding a way of combining her personal life with her role as Keeper of the Island against all odds after struggling to overcome a seeming impossibility; and to witness Kathleen coming into her own, taking her destined position in the island's social fabric, finally able to overcome the many adversities and issues that we had seen her wrestling with from the beginning of book 1.
There are many other subplots and challenges the island community is dealing with in this installment that I am not going to enumerate here, which will have you holding your breath and rooting for a favorable outcome when reading what so far is the last book in this skillfully composed series.
I noticed a few loose threads that would lend themselves beautifully to a continuation of the series, and a little bird told me that the author is in the early stages of working on Little Sister #4, in which I hope to learn more about Kathleen's cousin Eryn, who seems to have a strong connection with the island, and Siobhan, the island's gift shop owner. I won't say, "I can't wait to read the next book", as I am aware that the creative process cannot be rushed. So instead, I am patiently anticipating another competently plotted and beautifully written book to enjoy in due time, confident that good things will come to those who wait.
October 2, 2022
I only want to say this: it’s perfect. I enjoyed it immensely.
I’m at awe at how much work Caren J. Werlinger must have done on this latest addition to The Little Sister Island series. There are so many characters, so many stories, so many lives, and each of them keeps you entertained and willing to know more.
This series is like watching your favorite show… you’ll never want it to end.
I always knew there was much more to Rebecca than what we saw from When the Stars Sang and Face the Wind. I was craving to know more about her character, and The New Shore has satisfied all my desires and went beyond them. Rebecca stole my heart with her icy, dry sarcasm, and her inner battle… I love her humor! And I was so happy to see her smile!
It was really a joy to meet again all the characters and to find new ones to love… and maybe some to dislike… but I won’t say anything about that.
What I love about this series is the link between humans and Nature, between the islanders and Little Island itself. The relationship between them is continuously evolving, and the journey Kathleen did in The New Shore is amazing, but she couldn’t have done it without the support of one of the most understanding partners I have ever read about, Molly Cooper. I absolutely love her. Their relationship has it all: acceptation, difficulties, reconciliations, fears, and the cutest banter ever. Molly sees how worthy Kathleen is and she’s only waiting for Kathleen to trust herself and find finally peace. Her quest has been so rewarding to read. So ancestral in the way it linked her to the Island.
I think I could talk about this series over and over… and it’s only because Caren J. Werlinger is an amazing writer… and now I got to witness not only her poetry, her drama, but also so much humor… the jokes between Rebecca and Kathleen, about rituals and blood… had me giggle for a while.
On another note… I feel there will be more coming! Caren J. Werlinger, you can’t leave me hanging like this, now that I want to know more about Rebecca and Nadiya’s new life and how their belonging to two different worlds can still keep their love alive, Kathleen’s new role, Meredith and Aidan’s new adventure… and most of all… Eryn Grant! I know there’s a story there!!!
I love Little Sister Island.
I’m at awe at how much work Caren J. Werlinger must have done on this latest addition to The Little Sister Island series. There are so many characters, so many stories, so many lives, and each of them keeps you entertained and willing to know more.
This series is like watching your favorite show… you’ll never want it to end.
I always knew there was much more to Rebecca than what we saw from When the Stars Sang and Face the Wind. I was craving to know more about her character, and The New Shore has satisfied all my desires and went beyond them. Rebecca stole my heart with her icy, dry sarcasm, and her inner battle… I love her humor! And I was so happy to see her smile!
It was really a joy to meet again all the characters and to find new ones to love… and maybe some to dislike… but I won’t say anything about that.
What I love about this series is the link between humans and Nature, between the islanders and Little Island itself. The relationship between them is continuously evolving, and the journey Kathleen did in The New Shore is amazing, but she couldn’t have done it without the support of one of the most understanding partners I have ever read about, Molly Cooper. I absolutely love her. Their relationship has it all: acceptation, difficulties, reconciliations, fears, and the cutest banter ever. Molly sees how worthy Kathleen is and she’s only waiting for Kathleen to trust herself and find finally peace. Her quest has been so rewarding to read. So ancestral in the way it linked her to the Island.
I think I could talk about this series over and over… and it’s only because Caren J. Werlinger is an amazing writer… and now I got to witness not only her poetry, her drama, but also so much humor… the jokes between Rebecca and Kathleen, about rituals and blood… had me giggle for a while.
On another note… I feel there will be more coming! Caren J. Werlinger, you can’t leave me hanging like this, now that I want to know more about Rebecca and Nadiya’s new life and how their belonging to two different worlds can still keep their love alive, Kathleen’s new role, Meredith and Aidan’s new adventure… and most of all… Eryn Grant! I know there’s a story there!!!
I love Little Sister Island.
September 27, 2022
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢ 👩🦰🌈🌊💨⚡️🕴️♀️🧙♀️👮♀️👩💻🐕🏝️🐶👩🦳👩🏫👨✈️⛴️👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
I received an ARC copy of Caren J. Werlinger’s “The New Shore’’ (from Corgyn Publishing) in exchange for an honest review.
So, here it is !!!
My rating : 5 ⭐️
👍A MUST READ👍
The New Shore is the 3rd instalment of the Little Sister Island series. So, it makes us travel once again to Little Sister Island, this small remote island off the coast of Maine, populated by characters from varying walks of life. Several of them have their points of view considered…
Oh gosh !!! It felt sooooo good to get back to Little Sister Island!!
I deeply L❤️VED this book from its humble & beautiful cover to the last word of the last page of the novel …
What I really appreciate in this series, it’s the fact the author doesn’t tell us successive stories regarding a pair of MCs after another but only ONE AND ONLY STORY adding more to what we read about in the previous book, taking us further and deeper into the lives of the islanders. So, we don’t have just a follow-up about this or that character, we have the real sequel about all of them... Yes, the “main MCs” (if I can say this like that) stay Kathleen and Molly (the 1st instalment, setting a couple years prior of the events narrated here, was mostly about their meeting and falling in love), but some new interesting ones join them along the island’s ring road and, put together, they form a ALL, a real community, an extended and loving family. And this, IMO, it’s one of the strengths of this series.
I’m totally hooked, so, I was thrilled to see that this book was even longer than the previous 2. (I do love very long length books). Because it meant more love (for the island or the others) emanating from the characters, more romance which is always in the salty air (with a couple of sexy times 🔥) & more of the mystical, historical and spiritual features (those resulting of the island’s magic itself combined with the histories, customs and rituals of the “The First Ones” & the Irish merged all together)
And you know what ?? Even like that, after 120,000 words, I found this captivating, moving, poignant & funny “episode”, way too short. So, you can easily imagine how happy it made me to read those words by the author: “We’re on number three with this novel, and I think there might be a few more”. Because I can’t get enough of this story and I crave more of about this intriguing and captivating island named Little Sister Island and the lives of her inhabitants …
I can’t wait for volumes #4, #5 and #6 (just to begin with … hopefully…)
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢ 👩🦰🌈🌊💨⚡️🕴️♀️🧙♀️👮♀️👩💻🐕🏝️🐶👩🦳👩🏫👨✈️⛴️👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
I received an ARC copy of Caren J. Werlinger’s “The New Shore’’ (from Corgyn Publishing) in exchange for an honest review.
So, here it is !!!
My rating : 5 ⭐️
👍A MUST READ👍
The New Shore is the 3rd instalment of the Little Sister Island series. So, it makes us travel once again to Little Sister Island, this small remote island off the coast of Maine, populated by characters from varying walks of life. Several of them have their points of view considered…
Oh gosh !!! It felt sooooo good to get back to Little Sister Island!!
I deeply L❤️VED this book from its humble & beautiful cover to the last word of the last page of the novel …
What I really appreciate in this series, it’s the fact the author doesn’t tell us successive stories regarding a pair of MCs after another but only ONE AND ONLY STORY adding more to what we read about in the previous book, taking us further and deeper into the lives of the islanders. So, we don’t have just a follow-up about this or that character, we have the real sequel about all of them... Yes, the “main MCs” (if I can say this like that) stay Kathleen and Molly (the 1st instalment, setting a couple years prior of the events narrated here, was mostly about their meeting and falling in love), but some new interesting ones join them along the island’s ring road and, put together, they form a ALL, a real community, an extended and loving family. And this, IMO, it’s one of the strengths of this series.
I’m totally hooked, so, I was thrilled to see that this book was even longer than the previous 2. (I do love very long length books). Because it meant more love (for the island or the others) emanating from the characters, more romance which is always in the salty air (with a couple of sexy times 🔥) & more of the mystical, historical and spiritual features (those resulting of the island’s magic itself combined with the histories, customs and rituals of the “The First Ones” & the Irish merged all together)
And you know what ?? Even like that, after 120,000 words, I found this captivating, moving, poignant & funny “episode”, way too short. So, you can easily imagine how happy it made me to read those words by the author: “We’re on number three with this novel, and I think there might be a few more”. Because I can’t get enough of this story and I crave more of about this intriguing and captivating island named Little Sister Island and the lives of her inhabitants …
I can’t wait for volumes #4, #5 and #6 (just to begin with … hopefully…)
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢ 👩🦰🌈🌊💨⚡️🕴️♀️🧙♀️👮♀️👩💻🐕🏝️🐶👩🦳👩🏫👨✈️⛴️👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
September 22, 2022
So much can happen that bringsca new look to the same shore, life is ever changing our world view.
True to every book I read by this magnificent author no matter how many pages it is it always ends with me wanting more. This visit to Little Sisters was no different. The lives of these characters feel like family you are just catching up with. The experiences they are having grip your heart, bring tears to your eyes and make you feel like your there. The focus on one or two characters is what most books do but Caren J. Werlinger gives you a wide cast that you can love. New characters like Nadiya who holds Rebecca's heart and Eryn, Kathleen's cousin bring more life to this magical story. To be there as the family grows both in people who come to the island to stay but as characters becoming fully equipped to be who the island needs is a joy this writer gives the reader. I found myself experiencing so many profound emotions as more of the story unfolded it was just so hard to put the book down. I knew the end would come and I would have to leave Little Sister's island much too soon. The joy, love, difficulty and even scary moments of this story will be with me quite long, wanting to know what happens next may never leave me. It is a place I want to live in and I thank the author for the priceless gift to visit.
True to every book I read by this magnificent author no matter how many pages it is it always ends with me wanting more. This visit to Little Sisters was no different. The lives of these characters feel like family you are just catching up with. The experiences they are having grip your heart, bring tears to your eyes and make you feel like your there. The focus on one or two characters is what most books do but Caren J. Werlinger gives you a wide cast that you can love. New characters like Nadiya who holds Rebecca's heart and Eryn, Kathleen's cousin bring more life to this magical story. To be there as the family grows both in people who come to the island to stay but as characters becoming fully equipped to be who the island needs is a joy this writer gives the reader. I found myself experiencing so many profound emotions as more of the story unfolded it was just so hard to put the book down. I knew the end would come and I would have to leave Little Sister's island much too soon. The joy, love, difficulty and even scary moments of this story will be with me quite long, wanting to know what happens next may never leave me. It is a place I want to live in and I thank the author for the priceless gift to visit.
October 10, 2022
I think Caren Werlinger must have known a place like Little Sister Island, maybe in a past life, or maybe in this one. Or maybe in her imagination.She writes about this place and the people on it with pure love and respect.
Peopled with the characters we've met before, Werlinger adds a few new people and several new situations that could definitely guarantee at least one - or maybe more - stories about this mystical place, but no pressure. We can wait, because the wait is worth it.
I could go into the stories of the new characters and the changes that they cause to the onislanders of Little Sister, but this review would go on forever. Let me just say that, page after page, you will stay awake longer than you intended, and then some.
If you know and love Werlinger's work, you will find one more excellent reason to continue to feel this way after reading this book.
November 16, 2022
Speechless
,I do not have the words to say how much I love this series. This book was so special tied up lots of stories from last books but left so many beginnings I laughed cried get really annoyed and loved every word of this and feeling sad that it is finished.But dear author you would not be cruel enough not to take us back to Little Sister.not with so much going on .The world is a crazy place just now so you have to bring some magic into our life and take us back to all our friends. Highly recommend.🌻
,I do not have the words to say how much I love this series. This book was so special tied up lots of stories from last books but left so many beginnings I laughed cried get really annoyed and loved every word of this and feeling sad that it is finished.But dear author you would not be cruel enough not to take us back to Little Sister.not with so much going on .The world is a crazy place just now so you have to bring some magic into our life and take us back to all our friends. Highly recommend.🌻
October 27, 2022
Keeps you wanting for more
I re-read the first two books so my mind would be fresh with each of the characters. Each book gets better as you learn more about the island and its inhabitants. You feel a bond with each one, even Michael and Christine. I am always wanting more as I read the last page. Hoping there will be a book 4.
I re-read the first two books so my mind would be fresh with each of the characters. Each book gets better as you learn more about the island and its inhabitants. You feel a bond with each one, even Michael and Christine. I am always wanting more as I read the last page. Hoping there will be a book 4.
April 6, 2023
Gripping story
I love this series so much. I'm so glad to revisit the island and catch up with everyone. The changes they all go through, the struggles they face and how they all help each other, truly inspiring and healing. I can't thank the author enough for this fabulous journey.
I love this series so much. I'm so glad to revisit the island and catch up with everyone. The changes they all go through, the struggles they face and how they all help each other, truly inspiring and healing. I can't thank the author enough for this fabulous journey.
February 28, 2024
4 stars. This was my favorite in the trilogy though I do think it was a tad bit too long. I did like the main characters and the side characters in this and the plot kept me a bit more engaged than the previous two. The writing of course was beautiful and so scenic but yeah as a whole this series was good not my favorite from Werlinger but definitely still worth the read.
January 30, 2023
Great!
This is the third in a series that I wish would continue. Haven’t heard anything to that effect. The inhabitants of Little Sister Island have captured my heart. Don’t pass this series up.
This is the third in a series that I wish would continue. Haven’t heard anything to that effect. The inhabitants of Little Sister Island have captured my heart. Don’t pass this series up.
May 25, 2023
An excellent sequel to the Little Sister Island books. Once again interesting storylines and characters and again leaves you wanting more.
November 1, 2023
This series is getting a bit repetitive. I am not sure I will read book 4, if it comes out.
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